How are you future proofing your IT?

Avoiding legacy status

Common Topics

Mini Poll Following on from the discussion of legacy systems and platforms occurring as part of our platform optimisation workshop here, we're trying to work out the best way to avoid having your expensive IT systems degrading to legacy status. So, if you have a couple of spare minutes, let's have your views on this in our mini-poll below:

READER POLL

1. How much legacy of the following kinds exists in your organisation?

A helluva lot

A significant amount

Little or none

Unsure

Old custom applications running on old platforms

Old packaged applications running on old platforms

Old packaged applications running on old platforms

Old custom applications running on modern platforms

Old packaged applications running on modern platforms

Modern applications running on older platforms

Old server technology in general

Old networking technology in general

Old desktop technology in general

2. What would you say are the tell-tale signs that a system has joined the ranks of legacy?

Primary indicator of legacy

Secondary indicator

Not an indicator

Full support no longer available from suppliers for the system or a major component of it

Skills required to maintain and support have become difficult or expensive to obtain/retain

Cost of replacement is less than the cost of supporting and maintaining when calculated over a relatively short period

Proprietary or obsolete interfaces hamper current and future integration with other systems

Knowledge of system lost with previous generations of IT staff making changes costly, risky or effectively impossible

Inflexibility undermining the ability to support critical business requirements

Spending too much time keeping it running which should be spent on newer systems that add more value

3. How important would you say the following are in future-proofing systems and delaying their transition to legacy?

Critical
5

4

3

2

Not at all
important
1

Use the latest tools, middleware and other relevant technology

Apply the right design and architectural principles

Maximise the use of external components - don't build if you can buy

Maximise the use of outsourcing and or hosted services

Keeping staff trained up on systems knowledge

Ensuring documentation is comprehensive and up to date

Other - please specify

4. Are there any pieces of advice you would like to pass on in the area of future-proofing and legacy?

BEFORE YOU GO

Which of the following best describes the organisation you work in?

Educational establishment

Public Sector (non education)

IT products or services vendor

Company with more than 5000 employees

Company with 250 to 4999 employees

Company with 50 to 249 employees

Company with 10 to 49 employees

Company with less than 10 employees

None of the above - please specify

Which of the following best describes your role?

Business management

Business professional

General IT management

Management of development/integration

Management of operations function

Systems architect or designer

Developer

Operations specialist

Other - please specify

Which of the following best sums up the attitude to IT in your organisation?